How they got there: First time Euro qualifiers Poland won Group A - thanks to big wins against Belgium and Azerbaijan and a 2-1 home win against seconplace finishers Portugal. Much of this credit goes to Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker, who favours the kind of pacy wing attack that seems to have fallen out of favour in the modern game.
Coach - Leo Beenhakker: Must've wondered how he could restore POland's footballing fortunes when the majority of the talent promptly retired in the wake of their 2006 World Cup campaign. But he's nailed together a well-drilled side, that shores up the middle and sticks to the game plan. He was in charge of Trinidad & Tobago's side at World Cup 2006.
Star player - Euzebiusz Smolarek: This one-man army smashed home an incredible nine times in qualifying. He slots into the line-up as a striker, but can revert to an attacking midfield role as the situatino demands. Currently with Spanish side Santander Smolarek's intuitive radar was honed in the Feyernoord youth side.
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Tactics: Beenhakker usually operates with a 4-4-2 formation, with veteran tough nut Jacek Bak as the central plank. Celtic's Maciej Zurawski operates up front, though Smolarek proved the goal getter in qualification. At the defence's core is the hugely talented goalie Artur Boruc, dominating players and ball with ease.
Strengths: Poland know they have the game and the players to beat the best. If regular hero Maciej Zurawski fires into life they can threaten anyone.
Weaknesses: A dismal 1-1 draw in a pre-Euro friendly with minnows Macedonia may well have knocked their confidence. Their group looks extremely tough.
Verdict: They need to get a point against Group B favourites Germany if they're to stand a chance of beating Croatia into second spot. Injuries will be key.
If they were a band they would be: Danzig
Helpful translation - "Kiedy robi otrzymujemy grać Rosjan?" is "When do we get to play the Russians?"
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